Valley of Light Community Principles

Human Evolution

Divine Source created a complex matrix of life that is continuously evolving and expanding. Even though this matrix may appear at times to digress due to the inherent life-death-life cycle of the Universe, evolution spirals toward a state of existence that we intuitively understand will be grand, glorious, and Godward. Thus is our shared destiny. Like all life forms, humans are on an evolutionary trajectory. For the past 2,000 years, our growth has centered on and been measured by intellectual achievement, scientific discovery, and material accumulation. These pursuits – when dominated by masculine energy and left unbalanced by feminine energy – have caused the greatest challenges and threats in recorded history, including: global warming, overpopulation, food and water shortages, corrupt governments, immoral religious leaders, corporate hegemony, weapons of mass destruction, and an unprecedented disparity of wealth. To survive, Humanity must undergo an evolution of consciousness – a Spiritual Revolution. Only through rapid spiritual growth will Humanity ascend to the next and higher stage of our collective evolutionary journey.

Economic Democracy

We advocate economic democracy based on local financial planning, cooperatively managed businesses, and regional control of natural resources. By focusing on regionalized economies, decision-making power is put back in the hands of local people and adequate availability of food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care is possible. Moreover, regionalized economies better protect the ecological systems of Earth by minimizing corporate exploitation. Currently, the U.S. subscribes to an economic model based on unchecked capitalism. This system is hierarchical, encourages greed, disenfranchises workers, and ignores sound environmental standards. Thus, we assert the need for a new economic model that focuses on the well-being of local workers and environmental stewardship.

Basic Necessities Guaranteed to All

We believe the basic necessities of life are a birth right of each and every human. People cannot attain their highest potential if they lack food, shelter, clothing, education, or health care. Meaningful employment, a living wage, free education, and universal health care must be assured to all members of society. Under the capitalist model, workers rarely benefit when corporate productivity increases. But true economic democracy guarantees that our collective standard of living will advance as the economy’s productive capacity increases.

Leadership

In a benevolent society, leaders are morally principled, willing to share power, and dedicated to service. History reflects that Humanity is harmed when authority is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals who are besotted by greed, beholden to corporate interests, or burdened by religious dogma. Thus, we intend to create a new model of governance to guide VOL and to protect its visionary and futuristic focus – one that apportions power among wise and seasoned leaders who are democratically selected by an electorate that is well educated, psychologically mature, and socially conscious.

Freedom

Individuals should have complete freedom to express their ideas, creative potential, and inner aspirations. Such intellectual and spiritual freedom strengthens and enhances our society. Restrictions should only be placed on actions which are clearly detrimental to the welfare of other people, other life forms, or planet Earth. Presently, the United States Constitution and its founding principles are compromised and corrupted. Therefore, we support political changes which propagate our values and promote the innate freedoms and rights of all humans.

Cultural Diversity

In the spirit of universal fellowship, we encourage the protection and celebration of diverse cultures, languages, histories, and traditions. Thus for social justice and healthy order, VOL acknowledges and promotes individual and cultural diversity. Moreover, we wish to honor the rich heritage and proud history of the people who live in the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the New River Valley and our micro-community.

Science and Technology

Scientific knowledge that leads to technological advancement is an asset to Humanity, provided it is used properly and applied morally for the benefit of All. In fact, the ethical use of technology should free Humanity to pursue social and spiritual goals. Unfortunately, the immoral use of technology is pervasive and has contributed mightily to the exploitation, suffering, and death of humans, other life forms, and Earth’s ecological systems. Consequently, we believe in limiting the use of dangerous technologies that serve no purpose other than to harm or retard our collective evolutionary process.

Return of Sacred Feminine Energy

We believe in the innate equal rights of men and women and we firmly denounce all forms of oppression, exploitation, and violence against women. We believe that the subjugation of feminine energy is a direct result of the passing paradigm’s patriarchal political and religious institutions, which still dominate the world. We therefore affirmatively seek the economic, social, and spiritual empowerment of all women. And we embrace a view of Deity that honors and worships both the masculine and feminine energies which naturally occur in the Universe and which must be included in any healthy and inspirational image of the Godhead.

Whole World Peace

At the dawn of the 21st Century, our hope is that cultural and economic globalization will lead to a more equitable, compassionate, and utopian existence in the form of a holistic federation of Nations and Peoples of the world. However, if corporate hegemony persists, globalization may lead to a rigid plan of dominance, indoctrination, and the expansion of global conflict – a dystopian future often referred to as “One World Order.” It is therefore imperative that we affirmatively denounce propaganda intended to confuse us, that we bravely resist efforts to control us, and that we strengthen the purity of our mind, body, and spirit. To wit: We pledge to build a model micro-community dedicated to “Holistic World Peace.”